Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has made it clear that for Ferrari to be competitive and challenge McLaren and Red Bull in the 2025 Formula 1 season, the team needs to improve in "every single pillar of performance." Despite a strong recovery in 2024, where Ferrari secured five wins and 22 podiums, Vasseur understands that simply targeting one area for improvement will not be enough to reach the front of the grid.
The 2024 season marked a significant turnaround for Ferrari, following a disappointing 2023 where they struggled with tire overheating issues, leaving them well behind the dominant Red Bull team. However, the Italian squad has shown promise this year, returning to the championship fight and putting up consistent performances with their drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. With McLaren closing in on their pace and Red Bull continuing to dominate, Ferrari’s progress has been notable, but they know they still need to refine their overall package to challenge for the title.
In a recent statement, Vasseur emphasized the importance of focusing on all areas of performance, saying, "I think it would be a mistake to think that there is one thing. If you want to do a good job, you have to be focused on every single pillar of performance, on every single area." He elaborated that improvement cannot come from a singular change, but rather from a collective effort across all departments, from car development to operational efficiency.
“It is true for every single part of the car, but I don’t want to start going through the list, because if I do that, I don’t want to point a finger at one group," Vasseur said, noting the team's desire to avoid singling out specific issues or departments. "But I think in every single area and department of the company, we just have to do a better job." This approach highlights Ferrari’s understanding that even marginal gains in each department could collectively bring them closer to McLaren and Red Bull.
With the current regulation cycle entering its final year, Vasseur’s comments reflect the urgency for Ferrari to extract the maximum from their package before the next set of changes are introduced in 2026. The team’s technical and operational performance will need to be finely tuned, as they continue to race against the clock to close the performance gap to their rivals. With McLaren having made considerable strides in 2024, especially with the rise of Lando Norris and the improvement of their car, Ferrari’s ability to refine and enhance their entire program will be key to remaining competitive.
In conclusion, Ferrari is well aware of the challenges ahead. While they have made strides in 2024, the team is focused on addressing every area of weakness to be fully prepared for 2025. This will require a multi-faceted approach, with Vasseur calling for improved efficiency and innovation across the entire organization to ensure they can challenge the likes of McLaren and Red Bull for the championship in the coming season.
